Post Game Blog

The start of A10 play saw us make the trip south down 95 for an evening game v Richmond.  After our previous trip traveling south on 95, a brutal traffic experience trying to get to ODU, we once again set off early to allow for possible Friday traffic and after a good start I was worried this could be deja vu after we grinded to a halt.  Luckily the lanes eventually opened up and we were able to get to our pre game meal stop at 3.30pm just 20 minutes from Richmond University.  Kudos to Coach Irizarry on the selection which seemed great but by half time with 5 people complaining of stomach pains I began to doubt it.   Rudolph seemed affected the most and couldn't start the second half and continued to struggle post game.

After taking in some of the women's game before ours we set off to the locker room to start getting ready for the game ahead.  The players each had their scouting portfolio and formations to review on the bus so it was a just a matter of naming the starting line and assigning set play positions in our pre game talk.  A quick reminder of what to expect and the importance of competing for every ball and we were out for the warm up.

The game started and we were able to dictate the pace of the game and kept possession well with penetration on both flanks.  In the early exchanges we were able to see that our opposition were going to be extremely direct and this would be a night that bravery and resilience would come into play at some point with us having to deal with long ball after long ball into the box and back line.  Then against the run of play Richmond were awarded a Penalty for a dubious handball on Shaban and scored the resulting spot kick to take the lead.  Despite our strong start we were one down and I knew that on a 3 game winning streak and with their noses in front it would be tough to get back in the game.

The tying goal came from freshman Higgins who got in front of his marker to finish with a header from a  great Abaie service and good build up before that.  For the rest of the half we once again dealt with Richmonds attack and build some pretty good moves that created chances and gave us the confidence and belief that we could go on and win it.

A slow start to the second half put us under early pressure and just when it looked like we had weathered the storm and started to get a hold of the game Richmond were awarded another PK this time for a handball on Alexandersson.  I have to say that apart from dunking the ball after he double dribbled it, it was clearly a PK and a good call from the ref.  This time the PK was hit slightly higher and with Almodovar going the right way his one handed save tipped the ball onto the crossbar and out.  Great save and kept us all level.

With just over 20 mins left the introduction of Hinners from the bench proved to be pivotal.  After be denied a penalty of our own Richmond failed to clear the ball and from the resulting throw in another freshman Forrest picked up the ball turned and played a great ball for Hinners to be brave enough to get his head on the cross before the keeper and we took the lead.  This would prove to be the game winning goal.  What followed was some desperation defending on times and guys putting their bodies on the line to not concede another goal.  Rudolph known for his goal scoring twice had goal line clearances and Shaban and Alexandersson held the ship steady to see us through.

If things stay the same with the news that Richmond will drop Mens Soccer it was great to see over 2000 fans there to support their program.  I can tell you it made for a great soccer game with the home fans raising their team time an again with the noise and support that made this Friday night game one to remember.

Magic Moment of the Day
The final whistle and a great team performance to get us off to a winning start in the A10.